U.S. History and Geography

Course Description

This course covers the significant events, people, and ideas of U.S. History, from the discovery of the Americas in 1492 to the election of 2016. Special attention is given to the period from 1776 through the end of World War I. All the California State Standards and the Common Core Standards are thoroughly covered.

In addition, students will:

Memorize the location of all the major countries of the world.

Memorize the 50 states, major cities, and geographic feautres of the United States.

Create a map portfolio.

Write research papers documented in MLA Style. (MLA is a standard format for college research papers).

Work collaboratively in groups.

Make presentations to the class.

Create a blog.

Learn parliamentary procedure and participate in simulations of the U.S. Congress. Congress).

Grades

Objectives are divided into the following categories. Each category is worth 25% of the student's overall grade.

Category

Weight

History

25%

Geography

25%

Homework

25%

Projects

25%

Homework

Students can expect about 10 minutes of homework every night.

Homework assignments are posted on Synergy.

Make-up Work / Late Work

Make-up work and late work will be accepted until the last week of the grading period.

Materials

Students should bring the following things to class every day:

Avid binder, lined notebook paper, pen.

Portfolio with map work.

Colored pencils.

Rules

Rules

1

Raise your hand. Don't talk out of turn.

2

Treat others with courtesy.

3

No cell phones, iPads, or other electronic devices.

4

No eating or drinking.

5

No computer games.

6

Stay in your seat.

7

Never throw anything. Clean up your own mess.

8

Don't leave before the bell.

9

Don't sit behind the teacher's desk.

10

Follow the teacher's instructions.

Citizenship

Citizenship grades are a measure of how well the student follows the rules of the classroom. Specifically, your citizenship grade is determined by the number of infractions that you accumulate each grading period. (An infraction is a violation of the rules).

# of Infractions

Citizenship
Grade

0 - 5

E (Excellent)

6 - 10

S (Satisfactory)

11 - 15

W (Warning)

16 or more

U (Unsatisfactory)

A “U” for citizenship may affect the student’s ability to participate certain school activities (dances, sports, field trips, etc.).

Students can remove infractions from their record by doing after-school detention in my classroom. (Limit one/day).

Students who accumulate 3 or more infractions in a single day will get a call home.

Bathroom/Hall Passes

Please respect the following rules regarding bathroom passes:

"One person at a time." If someone is using the pass, you have to wait until he or she gets back.

"Hand to hand." This means that you take the pass from my hand, and you return it to my hand. Do not leave the pass on the teacher's desk.

Tutoring

I am available for individual help on most days after school. Students are helped on a first-come, first-served basis. If you think you may need some help to complete any assignment, please don't wait until just before the due date!